Manuscript Status Meanings Explained

Journal submission systems show a status for your manuscript, and the labels are not always clear. Here is what the common ones usually mean. Exact wording differs between journals and systems.

Common statuses

  • Submitted / Awaiting assignment. The journal has your files. An editor has not yet taken the paper on.
  • With editor / Editorial screening. An editor is checking scope, completeness, ethics and similarity. Papers can be returned or declined at this stage without review.
  • Under review. The paper has been sent to reviewers, or the editor is still inviting them. This status can last the longest, because reviewers are volunteers.
  • Reviews completed / Required reviews completed. Enough reports are in. The editor now reads them.
  • Decision in process / Awaiting decision. The editor is weighing the reports and writing the decision.
  • Revisions requested. The journal wants changes. Minor revisions are usually checked by the editor, major revisions often go back to reviewers.
  • Accepted / In copyediting / In production. The paper is accepted and being prepared for publication.

Does a long "under review" mean bad news?

Not necessarily. Most often it means the editor is still finding reviewers or waiting for a late report. The status itself does not tell you the likely outcome.

When to contact the journal

If the status has not changed for much longer than the journal's usual timeline, send a short, polite message with your manuscript number. Ask whether anything is needed from you.

At ASIDE Case Reports

Manuscripts at ASIDE Case Reports are screened by an editor and then reviewed by at least two independent reviewers under double-anonymous peer review. You can follow your submission's progress in your author dashboard.

Submit your case report, free Why publish with ASIDE Case Reports →